Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). By restoring blood flow to the heart, it alleviates symptoms such as chest pain and reduces the risk of a heart attack. Angioplasty can be performed in emergency cases like heart attacks or scheduled as elective surgery for diagnosed heart conditions.
During angioplasty, a thin tube (catheter) with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist. Using X-ray imaging called fluoroscopy, the catheter is guided to the blocked artery. The balloon is then inflated to push the plaque against the artery walls, creating more space for blood flow.
In most cases, a stent (a small, expandable metal mesh) is placed to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing. Stents may be coated with medication (drug-eluting stents) to minimize scar tissue formation or may be bare metal stents without medication.
Angioplasty is recommended for conditions such as:
While generally safe, angioplasty carries some risks, including:
Preparation involves:
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients spend one night in the hospital for observation.
Post-procedure care includes:
Patients can usually resume normal activities within a week, but driving and heavy exertion should be avoided until cleared by the healthcare provider.
Contact your healthcare team if you experience:
For more information on angioplasty, including preparation and recovery tips, visit our detailed sections:
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